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Contents
THE FINE PRINT
Controversial Subject Disclaimer
Art can be provocative. Historically speaking, many works of art recognized as culturally significant have precipitated controversy — and they may still do so today, as illustrated by the surprising uproar over Michelangelo’s David sculpture in Florida!
Art can sometimes present challenges to our individual beliefs in ways that some individuals may perceive as offensive, prurient, or objectionable. In this course, we will interact with art that may include language or imagery exploring controversial points of view regarding intrinsically sensitive topics: sexuality, race, politics, or religion.
The presentation of such material in this course is necessary to foster a fuller understanding of the sometimes disruptive or subversive function of art in society. In the spirit of the free exchange of ideas that is core to the educational mission, it is not the proper role of the instructor or the institution to censor, ban, or limit access to culturally significant material.
Therefore, it is important to understand the presence of controversial or provocative material does not reflect or imply an endorsement of such work by the instructor or the institution.
If material of this nature raises any concern, please make an appointment with me. I am happy to meet and discuss it with you.
Academic Integrity
The Abington College Academic Integrity Policy can be found at the link above and should be read in full.
This policy constitutes an addendum to this syllabus and is in full effect for this studio.
Assurance of Integrity | I reserve the right to submit material to such resources as Turnitin.com, Google Image Search, or ZeroGPT to ensure academic integrity. I may be required to assess a breach of integrity in accordance with PSU Sanctioning Guidelines for Violations of Academic Integrity, on a scale ranging from minor through moderate to major. Minor violations may limit the sanction to a warning or a loss of points for the material in question. Moderate sanctions can include loss of points for the project. Major sanctions may include failure for the course.
Generative Artificial Intelligence | Like any technology, generative artificial intelligence, or Gen AI, can be used or abused. In a course belonging to “new media,” it would be hypocritical at best to prohibit outright the use of AI as a generator. After all, we actively encourage the use of Photoshop to generate photo-like images! Why should we draw the line at that level of technological sophistication?
In this course, we’ll draw that line based on intent and a definition of original work:
- Writing | The writing you are asked to do is reflective, meaning that it is based on personal experience with course materials and how you specifically react to them. Generic language that does not reflect personal experience is a strong indicator for the inappropriate use of Gen AI and may be called into question. Language that is not on point — that is, unrelated to specific references in course materials — may do the same.
- Image-making | Some argue that Gen AI is simply a modern example of appropriation as a legitimate art-making technique. Others may counter that the artist, not Gen AI, must choose the sources of appropriation for it to qualify as a conceptually original act of art-making. For our purposes, we will draw the line there. You, the artist, much choose the sources of appropriation.
- When you may use Gen AI | Use it for brainstorming. Use it to sketch or prototype. Use it to test ideas. We would see this primarily in a Concept or Iteration phase of the creative process. Whenever you use Gen AI in this manner, you must cite its use just as you would any other source.
- When you may NOT use Gen AI | Any finished product or project which requires the work to be originally your own. This includes:
- Your reflective writing in any blog post.
- The Synthesis phase leading to the finished creation.
Here’s an image I created using the text prompt “dog bowl with egg” using Text To Image at deepai.org. It’s a case study of something I could use as a sketch or an inspiration, but cannot claim as original work. The answers to the questions provide the criteria:
Is this art?
Yes, but not something I would classify as great art. It’s mildly amusing and surreal.
If I claim that art is the thing made, who is the artist?
Not me. I didn’t make it.
If I claim that art is instead the idea supported by the thing, who is the artist?
The idea is mine so by this definition, me.
Where were these images appropriated and combined?
And here’s where things get dicey. We don’t know.
What role did I play in that choice?
None. AI did that work. So even though the idea is mine, I can’t claim to be the artist based on our definition above. I CAN use it for inspiration, but I CAN’T use it as finished work because I don’t know the sources for the appropriated material.
Code of Conduct
The PSU Student Code of Conduct can be found at the link above and should be read in full. This policy constitutes an addendum to this syllabus and is in full effect for this studio.
Assurance of Compliance | I am obligated to report breaches of the code in accordance with the process governed by the PSU Office of Student Conduct.
Student Disability Resources (SDR)
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University’s educational programs. At Penn State Abington, services for students with documented disabilities are provided through the Office of Student Disability Resources.
- Chavonne Campbell, Coordinator
- 102 Sutherland
- 215-881-7962
In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, ADA law requires the student themselves to self-disclose the need for accommodations. This can be done through SDR’s online intake form:
SDR will then follow up with information regarding next steps to determine eligibility: submitting diagnostic documentation and participating in an intake interview.
SDR will provide the student with an accommodation letter for the semester if the student meets eligibility requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to share their letter and discuss accommodations with instructors as early in their courses as possible. Instructors are not required to provide accommodations until the letter is presented and discussed.
Students must follow this process for each semester they wish to receive accommodations.
Please visit the sites below for comprehensive information:
Please email with questions or to schedule an appointment.
Counseling + Psychological Services (CAPS)
Many students at Penn State face personal challenges or have psychological needs that may interfere with their academic progress, social development, or emotional wellbeing. If you encounter personal problems of any kind on or off campus, please reach out for help. The university offers a variety of confidential services to help you through difficult times, including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, consultations, online chats, and mental health screenings. These services are provided by staff who welcome all students and embrace a philosophy respectful of clients’ cultural and religious backgrounds, and sensitive to differences in race, ability, gender identity and sexual orientation. On campus counseling and psychological services are available on the first floor of the Cloverly Building. Comprehensive information can be found here:
Please contact our campus psychologist with additional questions.
- Dr. Karen Gould
- 103 Cloverly
- 215-881-7577
- ksg17@psu.edu
- Jennifer Donovan, MSW
- 215-881-7956
- jud398@psu.edu
- Wellness Center: 103 Lares
Center for Student Achievement (CSA)
The Center for Student Achievement, located in 315 Sutherland, offers Free Tutoring, Writing Consultations, and Success Coaching to all students. To reach us, please:
The CSA also offers workshops that strengthen students’ abilities to study, write, manage time, make decisions, and achieve goals. Scheduling appointments in advance is strongly recommended and can be made through Starfish. Additional subject tutoring is offered through our online tutoring platform, Brainfuse, which can be accessed by visiting:
Office of Global Programs
Office of Global Programs: provides academic support, visa advising, engagement and leadership opportunities to all international students. International students that need support should contact our office by email:
Or call:
Students should contact Office of Global Programs for study abroad opportunities as well as how to make a trip fit in your academic plan and scholarships to pay for your trip. Applications are due one year ahead, please contact our office for more information.
Educational Equity Concerns
Penn State takes great pride to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through Educational Equity via the Report Bias webpage:
Sexual Harassment Policy
The university’s code of conduct states that all students should act with personal integrity, respect other students’ dignity, rights, and property, and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their efforts. Violations of this principle can result in a range of sanctions, from a warning to expulsion. Note that Title IX makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and gender is a civil rights offense subject to the same kinds of accountability and the same kinds of support applied to offenses against other protected categories such as race, national origin, etc.
Sexual harassment of faculty, staff or students is prohibited and will not be tolerated. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment violates the dignity of individuals and impedes the realization of the University’s educational mission.
The University is committed to preventing and eliminating sexual harassment of faculty, staff, and students through education and by encouraging faculty, staff, and students to report any concerns or complaints about sexual harassment. Prompt corrective measures will be taken to stop sexual harassment whenever and wherever it occurs:
If this is a Title IX issue, please contact Penn State Abington’s Title IX Resource Person for more information:
- Gina D’Amato-Kaufman, Director of Student Affairs
- 106 Sutherland
- gxd22@psu.edu
- 215-881-7391
- Mary Ellen Glick, Case Manager
- 102b Lares
- mpg5645@psu.edu
- 215-881-7353
Additional resources
- On Campus Counseling Services, 215-881-7577
- PSU Sexual Assault & Relationship Violence Hotline, 800-560-1637
- Victim Services of Montgomery County, 888-521-0983
National Hotlines
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
- National Sexual Assault (RAINN) Hotline: 800-656-4673
- PSU Sexual Assault & Relationship Violence: 800-560-1637 or 866-714-7177 (TTY)
Police & Legal Information
- Police Emergency – 911
- Penn State Abington Campus Police:
- Abington Township Police:
Licensing + Citation Notes
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In case of fire, break glass: Wayback Machine Graphic Design The New Basics